HC Deb 26 May 1908 vol 189 cc965-7
MR. O'GRADY

, in view of the unsatisfactory reply given by the Prime Minister to his Question in reference to the proposed visit of the King to the Tsar of Russia, asked leave to move the adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a matter of urgent public importance—namely, the action of the Government in advising His Majesty to pay an official visit to His Majesty the Tsar of Russia.

MR. SPEAKER

I think the proper opportunity to raise the question—and an early opportunity will arise—will be upon the Motion for the adjournment for the Whitsuntide recess. That will be before the journey takes place, and, therefore, the hon. Member will be in time. I think the rule under which he proposes to act is intended to be for matters so urgent that they cannot be raised at any other time; and if I am correct in that interpretation, I think the hon. Member should raise the question on the Motion for the adjournment for the holidays.

MR. O'GRADY

May I submit that the preparations will be so far forwarded as to prevent the possibility of changing the character of the visit?

MR. SPEAKER

So far as I understand these matters the preparations are complete; the arrangements between the two Governments have been completed. If the hon. Member wishes the arrangements to be altered they can be equally altered next week.

MR. O'GRADY

May I submit, Mr. Speaker, that if we delay the matter till 4th June it will be impossible to change the character of the visit from a State to a friendly visit, and that there is no opposition to His Majesty taking the visit, provided that it is of a friendly nature—of a private nature.

MR. SPEAKER

What I have said, I have said.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

May I point out with great respect that on the Motion for the adjournment for the Whitsuntide holidays a definite separate discussion cannot be raised, because anyone can speak on any matter he chooses, so that that destroys anything like fixing a discussion? Further, these Motions for adjournment are indications of public opinion, and there will be no opportunity of taking a division on this question at any other time.

MR. SPEAKER

In the one case the hon. Member can vote for the adjournment, and in the other case against it.